Toure on City collision course

Manchester City appear bound for an off-field battle with another of their high-profile players, with defender Kolo Toure determined to fight any potential punishment handed down by the club over his six-month drug ban.

Toure returned a positive drugs test in February, and was later found guilty of taking a banned substance and subsequently suspended until August. It was later revealed Toure had taken on the substance by consuming his wife's slimming pills without consulting the club's medical staff.

City are now reportedly set to put the 30-year-old in front of an internal disciplinary panel, chaired by club executive Brian Marwood, next week. The club will be investigating whether to fine the player for his extended unavailability if he is found to have been in breach of his professional duty.

However, the player's agent, Saif Rubie, insists Toure will contest any such punishment.

"Kolo is disappointed that the club have decided to take this stance and he will contest any planned action against him. However, he will continue to give his all, as always, for Roberto Mancini and the team in their quest for honours this season," Rubie is quoted as saying in the English press.

Meanwhile, City are believed to be standing firm on their asking price of €40 million for another of their troubled former captain's, Carlos Tevez. City are understood to be unmoved by Brazilian side Corinthians hinting at a cut-price deal on Tuesday through their president Andres Sanchez.

"Although many people do not believe it, Tevez is much
closer to the Corinthians than you can imagine. The initial offer was €40m and that is now €18m because of all the problems he has faced back in England," Sanchez told the Brazilian media.